Trucking Industry Asks Holiday Travelers to Be Nice, Not Naughty This Year

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Dec 23, 2014, 02:32 ET

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Trucking Associations want to ensure the more than 99 million motorists traveling during the year-end holiday arrive at their destinations safely.

"Safety for all motorists is our industry's highest priority," said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. "While wishing everyone a happy holiday season, we also want to wish them a safe one. Following the rules of the road and sharing the road can help everyone – including certain jolly old elves – to arrive at their destinations on time and safely."

"As a professional truck driver, I see literally thousands of other drivers each and every day," said Thomas Miller, an America's Road Team Captain and professional driver with Prime, Inc. "A lot of that behavior is nice, but too often I'd like to hand out some coal to some people - people driving too fast or who won't put their phone down. We all need to do our part to keep the roads safe this holiday season."

America's Road Team, a group of elite professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles, and have assembled some simple tips for drivers hitting the road during the holidays. Tips include:

Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
Slow Down: With the extra highway congestion due to holiday travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of space between you and other vehicles and reduce your speed.
Remove ice and snow from your vehicle: Clear your windows and roof of snow to insure you have maximum visibility and avoid creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Don't allow ice and snow to create additional blind spots on your vehicle.
Don't drive impaired: The holidays are often a time for merriment, but if you've had too much to drink, don't get behind the wheel.
Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel: Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance before you leave your home can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road.
Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front so you can avoid snow and ice blowing onto your windshield or maneuver around patches of ice.
Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
Be aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.
Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving.
Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
Check your emergency kit: Contents should include: battery powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, maps, tire repair kit and flares.
Be aware of changes in weather: Weather conditions across the U.S. will be changing - especially during early mornings and evenings with the cold. Watch for ice, snow and other weather related obstacles.
Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late and to accommodate delays. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.
Avoid extreme weather conditions: Ice, hail and snow make roads difficult to travel. Try to avoid driving through extreme weather conditions, and travel during daylight.

"While I don't make a list or check it twice," said Todd Stine, America's Road Team captain and professional driver with Carbon Express, Inc. "I do check to make sure my seat belt is buckled, I'm driving at a safe speed and I'm aware what is going on around me on the road. If you're driving this holiday season, please: don't be naughty. Follow the rules and share the road safely for all of us."

*Editors: America's Road Team Captains are available to speak in your local area about Holiday and winter safe driving tips during the holiday season.

America's Road Team, sponsored by Volvo Trucks, is a national public outreach program led by a small group of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills, remarkable safety records and a strong desire to spread the word about safety on the highway. Follow America's Road Team on Facebook or Twitter.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward.

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SOURCE American Trucking Associations